Madurai Oct 19: A private hospital here claims to have developed a software to help ophthalmologists and eye hospitals seek expert advice on treatment of eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and paediatric problems, through their computers. The software has been developed by Aravind Hospital in collaboration with Chennai-based Manmar Technologies Ltd.


"It is a cost-effective and viable solution and a boon as very few hospitals in various countries are trained to handle speciality diseases," Dr R Kim, head of Aravind Tele-Opthalmology Network (ATN) told news agencies today.

According to Kim, the software, "eyes talk-beyond frontiers", is "the first of its genre" to help eye-doctors and patients get specialists' advice on treatment.

Kim said the software can be downloaded free of coast from the hospital's website. The advantage of the software is that it supports integration of digital ophthalmic imaging equipments to capture images, he said.

"Both structured and unstructured clinical examination data using flexible templates can be captured. Doctors will only require a computer attached to ophthalmic equipment to capture images and dial-up internet facility to transfer captured information to experts for opinion," he added.

The software, part of the ATN, an initiative supported by Orbis international and acumen fund, USA, aims at imparting training and education at global level and help professionals enhance their knowledge and skills through virtual class rooms, the doctor said.

Bureau Report